Can I keep chickens in Ann Arbor, MI?
Yes — Ann Arbor allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ann Arbor City Code tit. IX, ch. 107 (Animals), Sec. 9:42 (Keeping of chickens or ducks) (Ord. No. 08-19, 6-2-08; last amended Ord. No. 21-28, 9-20-21), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($55) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Permit required from the City Clerk before acquiring birds; valid five years, 55 dollar fee, property diagram required. The six-bird cap covers chickens and ducks combined. Principal use must be a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or a primary or secondary school. Birds kept in a covered or fenced enclosure in the rear yard only. Enclosure no closer than 10 feet to any adjacent property line and no closer than 40 feet to any residential structure on adjacent property; the 40-foot rule is waivable with written consent from all adjacent owners. Enclosures must be rodent-proof and feed protected from rodents. Private deed and HOA restrictions still apply. |
| Code section | Ann Arbor City Code tit. IX, ch. 107 (Animals), Sec. 9:42 (Keeping of chickens or ducks) (Ord. No. 08-19, 6-2-08; last amended Ord. No. 21-28, 9-20-21) |
Ann Arbor allows up to six birds, chickens and ducks combined, on a single-family, two-family or school property under a five-year permit from the City Clerk costing 55 dollars. Roosters and on-site slaughter are prohibited, though male ducks are allowed. The enclosure must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet off any property line and 40 feet from a neighbor's house unless every adjacent owner signs a waiver.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Ann Arbor?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor City Code tit. IX, ch. 107 (Animals), Sec. 9:42 (Keeping of chickens or ducks) (Ord. No. 08-19, 6-2-08; last amended Ord. No. 21-28, 9-20-21)).
How many chickens can I keep in Ann Arbor?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ann Arbor?
Yes — Ann Arbor requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $55).
Are roosters allowed in Ann Arbor?
No — roosters are prohibited in Ann Arbor.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Ann Arbor?
10 feet minimum. Permit required from the City Clerk before acquiring birds; valid five years, 55 dollar fee, property diagram required. The six-bird cap covers chickens and ducks combined. Principal use must be a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or a primary or secondary school. Birds kept in a covered or fenced enclosure in the rear yard only. Enclosure no closer than 10 feet to any adjacent property line and no closer than 40 feet to any residential structure on adjacent property; the 40-foot rule is waivable with written consent from all adjacent owners. Enclosures must be rodent-proof and feed protected from rodents. Private deed and HOA restrictions still apply.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Ann Arbor?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Ann Arbor's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor City Code tit. IX, ch. 107 (Animals), Sec. 9:42 (Keeping of chickens or ducks) (Ord. No. 08-19, 6-2-08; last amended Ord. No. 21-28, 9-20-21). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ann Arbor City Code tit. IX, ch. 107 (Animals), Sec. 9:42 (Keeping of chickens or ducks) (Ord. No. 08-19, 6-2-08; last amended Ord. No. 21-28, 9-20-21) — read the official code
“Application to keep up to 6 chickens. 5-year permit from date of issuance.” source
“A person who keeps or houses birds on a property shall comply with all of the following requirements: ... Keep no more than 6 birds. ... Only as used in this section, the term bird means only chickens or ducks or a combination of both.” source
“$55 Fee Required” source
“CITY OF ANN ARBOR PERMIT TO KEEP BACKYARD CHICKENS. DIAGRAM AND 55 DOLLAR FEE REQUIRED. Application to keep up to 6 chickens. 5-year permit from date of issuance.” source
Last verified August 16, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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